Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) were discovered in 1995 and show similar high tensile strength values as CNTs. They are also as thermally conductive as CNTs but electrically insulating. These rare properties make them very interesting materials for all kinds of applications involving thermal management and insulation.
Their excellent chemical stability and high tensile strength make them an ideal reinforcement material for polymers or aluminum.
The toxicity of BNNT is still mostly unknown. Initial in vitro and in vivo studies showed an induced dose-dependent increase in cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in human monocytic cells.